GRIEVANCE REGARDING ADDITIONAL CHARGE ON PETROL-ETHANOL BLEND AND NON-INCLUSION OF PETROL UNDER GST

Respected Prime Minister of India,

I would like to bring to your kind attention a matter of significant public concern regarding the pricing of petrol and the financial burden it imposes on the public.

Despite repeated demands from the public for the inclusion of Petrol under the GST regime, neither the Central Government nor the State Governments have shown any inclination towards addressing this issue. The primary reason for this reluctance appears to be the substantial revenue generated by both the Central and State Governments through various taxes, such as Excise Duty, VAT (ranging from 15% to 35%), Road Cess, Pollution Cess, etc. As a result, consumers are currently subjected to a high VAT rate of 28% on Petrol, significantly inflating the overall cost.

Given that the cost of 800 ml of Petrol with 28% VAT is approximately ₹57, the combined cost of 800 ml Petrol and 200 ml Ethanol is ₹67.50 (excluding other taxes and charges). However, if the government decides to apply the 28% VAT on the Ethanol component as well, the total cost per Liter of the PETROL-ETHANOL blend would rise to ₹71.24, effectively burdening the consumer with an additional charge of ₹3.74 Per Liter.

This extra charge, if levied, amounts to an unlawful and unethical extraction of money from the public, which I believe is neither justified nor in line with fair pricing practices. Such an action not only undermines public trust but also places an undue financial burden on the common man.

In light of the above, I request that this issue be thoroughly investigated and that the Government takes immediate steps to rectify any unjust charges. I further urge that Petrol be brought under the GST regime to ensure a uniform and fair tax structure across the country.